Great book to start with, perfect for a doctor's appt. or subway ride - What Would Jefferson Do? Lots of challenging concepts, presented simply but without insult, to get you thinking about what democracy means - or was intended to mean?

Then - We, the People. This is a great book for the attention deficit American. Written like a comic book, with simple, blunt illustrations. Explains the concept of the personhood of corporations and how this has undermined individual rights and political power. A GREAT book for young adolescents ... or brilliant ten year olds.

For Grownups: Unequal Rights, the Rise of Corporate Dominance and the Theft of Human Rights. He argues here that an honest populist appeal to the people could restore American democracy, but first we have to push out corporate influence over elections and policy making. The first political party to flip the bird to Big Money is going to be the party in power 5 years from now. It had damn well better be the Dems - SOON!